USA's triple block was key to victory as the visitors saw off Poland in straight sets to clinch their first win of the 2011 FIVB Volleyball World League

Lodz, Poland, May 28, 2011 – USA gained revenge for their opening loss to Poland on Saturday as they saw off the European champions 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 37-35) in Lodz to clinch their first win of the 2011 FIVB Volleyball World League.

William Priddy, MVP of the match, led the US scorers with 17points while Poland were topped by Zbigniew Bartman with 21 points.

Both teams started the game with the same line-ups as the day before. The first set was a tight affair from the off but Ruciak's smart and strong services saw the hosts gain an early lead. But the Americans quickly came back as Kurek struggled with his spikes. The game remained tight until Poland gained a three-point-advantage at 17-14, and US coach Alan Knipe used his first time-out. Following the restructure USA tied the score at 19-19 before clinching the set.

The second set was also close as Poland coach Andrea Anastasi made a change with Marcin Mozdzonek replacing Piotr Nowakowski. The guests kept ahead as the hosts had trouble with penetrating the American block. Coach Anastasi used his second time-out as the side drifted further behind but it did little to hinder the result as Clayton Stanley finished the set with a 119-kilometer-per-hour ace.

Anastasi called for a change in setter in the third set as the US sped ahead, making an immediate difference. However the visitors kept a three-point-advantage thanks to Stanley's great service and kills. Poland narrowed the score difference to two points before Bartman brought the scores level at 21-all. What followed was a thrilling rally of points as the scoreline seesawed between the two teams, neither ready to relinquish advantage. But it was the Americans who came out on top in the end to the elation of their bench with a 37-35 win.

Poland now travel to defending champions Brazil for their second match as USA get ready to play newcomers Puerto Rico in San Juan.